What does Wisconsin’s 2026 class look like at quarterback?
Official visit season is starting for the Wisconsin Badgers, who are slated to host their first group of recruits this weekend.
Ahead of official visits starting, let’s break down where things stand with every position group in the 2026 recruiting class, starting with quarterback.
The Badgers initially kicked off their class with a commitment from 2026 three-star Jarin Mock under previous offensive coordinator Phil Longo. They also continued to recruit other quarterbacks, including four-star Ryan Hopkins, as they pondered the possibility of a two-quarterback cycle to reset their numbers at the position.
However, following the firing of Longo and the hiring of offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes, Wisconsin parted ways with Mock, who wasn’t a fit for the new offense. Instead, they fully went after Hopkins, landing a commitment from the four-star back in April after a spring ball visit.
The Badgers were also in the mix for other quarterbacks, such as four-stars Brodie McWhorter and Peyton Falzone, and three-star Travis Burgess. Ultimately, those recruitments backed down after the addition of Hopkins, who is primed to be Wisconsin’s lone commit at the position in the 2026 class.
The biggest question here is: can Wisconsin keep this commitment through National Signing Day?
The big offer that many have worried about is from Ohio State, which hasn’t gotten a commitment from any quarterback in the 2026 class and is still evaluating its options.
There are quite a few dominoes that can fall in the quarterback race that could pull other schools (perhaps on the West Coast?) to Hopkins, who will play his senior season at national powerhouse Mater Dei.
Wisconsin has put all of its eggs in one basket, so they’d be in a very tough spot if they were to lose out on Hopkins in the fall. Their previous targets have all committed elsewhere. Brodie McWhorter committed to Mississippi State, Peyton Falzone is heading to Penn State, and Travis Burgess committed to UNC.
Wisconsin could look to add numbers with a walk-on, bringing them two with Milos Spasojevic in the room, but hanging on to Hopkins is the priority for the staff.